Psalms 31–24
Psalm 31:1-24
Psa.31.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- למנצח: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מזמור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לדוד: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Ps.4.1 (verbal): Shares the identical superscription formula 'למנצח מזמור לדוד' — same musical direction and Davidic authorship attribution.
- Ps.5.1 (verbal): Another psalm beginning with the same inscription 'למנצח מזמור לדוד', paralleling Ps 31:1 in assigning the psalm to David and to the chief musician.
- Ps.6.1 (verbal): Closely parallels Ps 31:1 in its superscription (אֲנַחֲנוּ מִזְמוֹר לְדָוִד/למנצח מזמור לדוד), reflecting the common liturgical heading 'To the choirmaster—A Psalm of David.'
Alternative generated candidates
- For the leader; a psalm of David.
- To the choirmaster. A psalm of David.
Psa.31.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- בך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- חסיתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,c,sg
- אל: NEG
- אבושה: VERB,qal,impf,1,sg
- לעולם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בצדקתך: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,cons+2ms
- פלטני: VERB,piel,imp,2,m,sg
Parallels
- Ps.71:1 (verbal): Nearly identical petition: taking refuge in the LORD and asking not to be put to shame — mirrors the psalmist’s trust and plea.
- Ps.25:2 (verbal): Uses the same basic formulation—'I trust in you; let me not be put to shame'—linking trust in God with a plea for vindication.
- Ps.22:5 (verbal): Speaks of trusting in God and not being put to shame/delivered from distress, thematically and verbally parallel to this petition.
- Isa.45:17 (thematic): Declares that those saved by the LORD will not be ashamed or confounded, paralleling the psalmist’s appeal for deliverance and vindication.
- Rom.10:11 (quotation): New Testament citation of the OT promise that 'no one who believes will be put to shame,' echoing the psalmist’s plea that trust in God averts shame.
Alternative generated candidates
- In you, LORD, I take refuge; let me never be put to shame. In your righteousness, deliver me.
- In you, O LORD, I take refuge—let me never be put to shame; in your righteousness deliver me.
Psa.31.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- הטה: VERB,hiph,impv,2,m,sg
- אלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- אזנך: NOUN,f,sg,abs,2,m,sg
- מהרה: ADV
- הצילני: VERB,hif,impv,2,m,sg
- היה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- לצור: VERB,qal,inf
- מעוז: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,cns
- מצודות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- להושיעני: VERB,qal,inf,NA,NA,NA
Parallels
- Psalm 18:2 (verbal): Uses the same language of God as 'rock, fortress, and deliverer'—a direct lexical parallel to the petition in Ps 31:3 for God to be a stronghold who saves.
- 2 Samuel 22:3 (verbal): David's victory song echoes the triad 'rock, fortress, deliverer' (paralleling Psalm 18), reflecting the royal/Davidic motif of God as refuge and savior found in Ps 31:3.
- Psalm 71:3 (verbal): A plea for God to be 'a rock of habitation' and 'my rock and my fortress,' closely echoing the request in Ps 31:3 for God to be a protective stronghold.
- Psalm 144:2 (verbal): Refers to God as 'my rock and my fortress, my deliverer,' repeating the same metaphors of refuge and rescue that appear in Ps 31:3.
- Proverbs 18:10 (thematic): Presents the Name of the Lord as 'a strong tower' into which the righteous run for safety—thematically parallel to Ps 31:3's fortress/stronghold imagery of divine protection.
Alternative generated candidates
- Incline your ear to me—hasten; deliver me. Be for me a rock of refuge, a fortified stronghold to save me.
- Incline your ear to me; hasten, rescue me. Be for me a rock and a fortress, a house of defense to save me.
Psa.31.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כי: CONJ
- סלעי: NOUN,m,sg,suff_1cs
- ומצודתי: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,suff_1cs
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- ולמען: CONJ+PREP
- שמך: NOUN,m,sg,cs,2,m,sg
- תנחני: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg,obj-1cs
- ותנהלני: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg,obj-1cs
Parallels
- Ps.18:2 (verbal): Uses the same metaphor: 'The LORD is my rock, my fortress'—a direct verbal/thematic parallel to God as rock and stronghold.
- Ps.71:3 (verbal): Speaks of God as a 'rock' and 'fortress' and asks for refuge and saving guidance, echoing the plea for God to lead and shelter.
- Isa.26:4 (thematic): Declares the LORD an 'everlasting rock,' reinforcing the theme of God's stability and trustworthiness expressed in Ps 31:4.
- Ps.143:10 (thematic): Petitions God for guidance ('let your good Spirit lead me on level ground'), paralleling the request 'lead me and guide me' in Ps 31:4.
Alternative generated candidates
- For you are my rock and my fortress; for your name’s sake you will lead me and guide me.
- For you are my rock and my stronghold; for your name's sake you will lead me and guide me.
Psa.31.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- תוציאני: VERB,hiphil,impf,2,m,sg+PRON,1,sg
- מרשת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- זו: PRON,dem,f,sg
- טמנו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- כי: CONJ
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- מעוזי: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,1,sg
Parallels
- Psalm 31:4 (structural): Immediate context within the same psalm: parallel petition to be delivered from a laid snare and affirmation that God is the psalmist's refuge/stronghold.
- Psalm 91:3 (verbal): Uses the image of deliverance from a 'snare' (the fowler's snare); closely parallels the rescue-from-trap language.
- Psalm 18:2 (thematic): Declares the LORD as rock, fortress, and deliverer—echoing the claim 'for you are my stronghold/refuge'.
- Proverbs 29:25 (thematic): Contrasts human fear with security in the LORD—'fear of man is a snare' vs. trusting God as safety, linking the motifs of snares and refuge.
Alternative generated candidates
- Draw me out of the net they have secretly set for me, for you are my stronghold.
- Deliver me from the snare they have laid for me, for you are my refuge.
Psa.31.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- בידך: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,suff,2,m,sg
- אפקיד: VERB,qal,impf,1,sg
- רוחי: NOUN,f,sg,abs+1cs
- פדיתה: VERB,qal,perf,2,sg
- אותי: PRON,1,sg,acc
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- אמת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Luke 23:46 (quotation): Jesus on the cross: "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit"—a direct citation/verbal echo of the psalm's entrusting of the spirit to God.
- Acts 7:59 (thematic): Stephen's martyrdom: he prays, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit," reflecting the same theme of surrendering one's spirit to God at death.
- Psalm 31:1 (structural): Opening of the same psalm (trust and refuge in the Lord) provides the larger context for the final act of entrusting the speaker's spirit into God's hand.
- Psalm 116:8 (thematic): "For you have delivered my soul from death"—shares the language and theme of divine rescue/redemption expressed in "you have redeemed me, O Lord."
Alternative generated candidates
- Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, LORD, God of faithfulness.
- Into your hand I commit my spirit—you have redeemed me, O LORD, O God of truth.
Psa.31.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- שנאתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,c,sg
- השמרים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- הבלי: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- שוא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואני: PRON,1,sg
- אל: NEG
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בטחתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,sg
Parallels
- Psalm 115:4-11 (verbal): Contrasts the worthlessness of idols/vanities with trust in the LORD (e.g., idols are 'silver and gold' and those who trust them become like them; calls the faithful to trust YHWH).
- Isaiah 44:9-20 (thematic): Extended polemic against idol-makers and idols as 'vanity' and 'nothing,' juxtaposed with the uniqueness and reliability of YHWH—echoing hatred of idols and trust in God.
- Jeremiah 10:2-5 (verbal): Denounces copying pagan practices and worshiping 'worthless' carved images; language about idols' impotence parallels the psalm's rejection of 'vanities.'
- Exodus 20:3 (structural): The command 'You shall have no other gods' provides the covenantal and theological foundation for hating idols/vanities and placing trust solely in the LORD as expressed in the psalm.
Alternative generated candidates
- I hate those who cling to worthless idols; I trust in the LORD.
- I hate those who cling to worthless idols; I trust in the LORD.
Psa.31.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אגילה: VERB,qal,impf,1,c,sg
- ואשמחה: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,1,m,sg
- בחסדך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs,2ms
- אשר: PRON,rel
- ראית: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- עניי: NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss,1,sg
- ידעת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- בצרות: ADJ,ptc,pass,f,pl
- נפשי: NOUN,f,sg,abs+1cs
Parallels
- Psalm 13:5-6 (verbal): Like Ps 31:8 the speaker declares trust in and rejoicing over God's steadfast love after a period of distress—'I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me.'
- Psalm 40:1-3 (thematic): Deliverance from distress produces praise and a new song; parallels Ps 31:8's response of rejoicing in God's faithful care after being seen in trouble.
- Psalm 34:17-18 (thematic): Affirms that the Lord hears the afflicted and is near the brokenhearted, echoing Ps 31:8's claim that God saw the psalmist's affliction and knew his distress, prompting confidence and joy.
- 2 Corinthians 6:10 (thematic): Paul's paradox 'sorrowful, yet always rejoicing' reflects the same motif as Ps 31:8—joy in God's steadfast love despite ongoing suffering.
Alternative generated candidates
- I will rejoice and be glad in your steadfast love, for you have seen my affliction; you know the distress of my soul.
- I will rejoice and be glad in your steadfast love, for you have seen my affliction; you know the distress of my soul.
Psa.31.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ולא: CONJ
- הסגרתני: VERB,hif,perf,2,m,sg,obj1s
- ביד: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אויב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- העמדת: VERB,hif,perf,2,m,sg
- במרחב: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- רגלי: NOUN,f,pl,cons
Parallels
- Psalm 31:1 (structural): Same psalm's opening plea for refuge and deliverance — frames the petition not to be handed over to enemies.
- Psalm 18:19 (verbal): Uses the same language of being brought into a 'broad place' (spacious place), linking deliverance with being set in safety.
- Psalm 40:2 (verbal): Speaks of being lifted out of the pit and having feet set on a rock — a closely related image of rescue and secure footing.
- Psalm 22:20 (thematic): A plea to be delivered from the sword and from enemies' power, echoing the request not to be handed over to foes.
- Psalm 56:13 (verbal): Credits God with delivering the psalmist and preserving his feet from falling — similar motif of rescue and firm footing.
Alternative generated candidates
- Do not hand me over to the will of my enemy; you have set my feet in a broad place.
- You have not handed me over to the enemy; you have set my feet in a broad place.
Psa.31.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- חנני: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- צר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- עששה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- בכעס: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עיני: NOUN,f,pl,cons+1s
- נפשי: NOUN,f,sg,abs+1cs
- ובטני: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,const+PRON,1,sg
Parallels
- Psalm 6:3 (thematic): A plea to the LORD in the midst of distress with the psalmist describing deep emotional and bodily suffering (weeping, unrest), echoing the appeal for mercy and the wasting effect of sorrow.
- Psalm 38:8 (thematic): Speaks of being 'feeble and crushed' and groaning from the turmoil of the heart; closely parallels the image of soul and body afflicted by grief in Ps 31:10.
- Psalm 102:4 (thematic): Describes the heart as smitten and withered and the body wasting away—a parallel motif of physical decline and distress accompanying sorrow.
- Lamentations 3:20-21 (thematic): The speaker recalls his affliction and the bowed-down state of his soul; like Ps 31:10 it centers on inward anguish and the remembering of suffering that provokes an appeal to God.
Alternative generated candidates
- Be gracious to me, LORD, for I am in distress; my eye wastes away from grief—my soul and my body also.
- Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am in distress—my eye wastes away with grief; my soul and my belly likewise.
Psa.31.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כי: CONJ
- כלו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- ביגון: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חיי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- ושנותי: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,abs+1s
- באנחה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- כשל: VERB,qal,perf,3,pl
- בעוני: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+1s
- כחי: NOUN,m,sg,poss,1,sg
- ועצמי: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs+1s
- עששו: VERB,qal,perf,3,pl
Parallels
- Psalm 6:6 (thematic): Both verses express prolonged sorrow and night‑long groaning/sighing; a personal lament where life is spent in grief and tears.
- Psalm 38:8-11 (thematic): Describes physical wasting, feebleness and social isolation tied to suffering—paralleling ‘strength fails’ and bones being consumed in Psalm 31:11.
- Psalm 102:3-4 (verbal): Uses similar language of days being consumed and heart smitten/withering—echoing the motif of life and years spent in anguish.
- Lamentations 3:17-18 (thematic): A voice of deep desolation and loss of joy/peace; parallels the experience of life exhausted by grief and sighing.
- Job 17:1 (verbal): Job’s words about breath and days being 'extinguished' closely mirror the imagery of life and years being consumed by suffering in Psalm 31:11.
Alternative generated candidates
- For my life is spent with sorrow, my years with sighing; my strength fails because of my affliction, and my bones waste away.
- For my life is spent with sorrow and my years with sighing; my strength fails because of affliction, and my bones waste away.
Psa.31.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- מכל: PREP
- צררי: NOUN,m,pl,suff
- הייתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,sg
- חרפה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ולשכני: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss:1s
- מאד: ADV
- ופחד: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- למידעי: PREP+PTCP,qal,act,3,pl,m
- ראי: VERB,qal,impv,2,f,sg
- בחוץ: ADV
- נדדו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- ממני: PREP,suff,1,m,sg
Parallels
- Psalm 38:11 (verbal): Speaks of friends and companions standing aloof and keeping distance in suffering—parallels the image of neighbors and acquaintances fleeing from the psalmist.
- Psalm 88:8 (verbal): “Thou hast put away mine acquaintance far from me; thou hast made me an abomination unto them” closely parallels the idea of being abandoned and shunned by those once near.
- Job 19:14 (verbal): Job laments that his kinsmen and familiar friends have failed and gone away, echoing the theme of abandonment by neighbors and acquaintances.
- Psalm 69:8 (thematic): “I am become a stranger unto my brethren” expresses the same sense of alienation from neighbors and family found in Ps 31:12.
- Lamentations 1:2 (thematic): Describes friends and neighbors proving treacherous or absent in calamity, resonating with the psalmist’s experience of reproach and desertion.
Alternative generated candidates
- I am a reproach among all my enemies—especially to my neighbors—and an object of fear to my acquaintances; those who see me in the street flee from me.
- I am a reproach among all my foes, a dread to my neighbors, and an object of horror to those who know me; those who see me in the street flee from me.
Psa.31.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- נשכחתי: VERB,niphal,perf,1,?,sg
- כמת: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלב: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הייתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,sg
- ככלי: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אבד: VERB,qal,infabs
Parallels
- Ps.88:5-6 (thematic): A deep lament that speaks of being cast down, like one who lies in the grave and is abandoned—parallels the sense of being 'forgotten as one dead.'
- Ps.38:11 (thematic): Describes friends and neighbors withdrawing and treating the sufferer as an outcast—echoes the abandonment expressed in 'forgotten as one dead.'
- Jer.19:11 (verbal): Uses the image of breaking a potter's vessel to portray irreversible ruin—parallels the 'broken vessel' metaphor in Ps 31:13.
- Lam.4:2 (verbal): Compares the once-precious inhabitants of Zion to earthen pots (vessels) as a symbol of humiliation and loss—similar vessel-imagery to Ps 31:13.
- Isa.38:18-19 (allusion): Speaks of the dead (Sheol) being unable to praise or be remembered—resonates with the motif of being 'as one dead' and effectively forgotten.
Alternative generated candidates
- I am forgotten like a dead man, out of mind; I am like a broken vessel.
- I am forgotten like one dead; I have become like a broken vessel.
Psa.31.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כי: CONJ
- שמעתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,sg
- דבת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- רבים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- מגור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מסביב: ADV,loc
- בהוסדם: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cons+PRON,3,m,pl
- יחד: ADV
- עלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- לקחת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- נפשי: NOUN,f,sg,abs+1cs
- זממו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Psalm 55:12-14 (thematic): Speaks of betrayal and conspiracy by a close companion—like the whispering and plotting against the psalmist in Ps 31:14.
- Psalm 64:2-4 (verbal): Requests protection from secret counsel and plots; uses language of conspiratorial whispering and plotting that parallels Ps 31:14.
- Psalm 35:11-14 (thematic): Describes malicious witnesses and enemies conspiring to harm the psalmist—sharing the theme of hidden plots to ruin or kill.
- Proverbs 1:11-14 (verbal): Contains an explicit description of secret plotting to ambush and shed blood; parallels the imagery of plotting together to take the speaker’s life.
Alternative generated candidates
- For I hear the whispering of many: terror on every side; they conspire together against me; they scheme to take my life.
- For I hear the whispering of many—terror on every side—while they conspire together against me; they plot to take my life.
Psa.31.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואני: PRON,1,sg
- עליך: PREP+2ms
- בטחתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אמרתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,com,sg
- אלהי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
Parallels
- Psalm 22:10 (verbal): Both verses use the language of God as personal deity — 'you have been my God' / 'You are my God,' echoing the direct confession of God’s personal relationship with the psalmist.
- Psalm 16:2 (verbal): A close verbal parallel in which the speaker directly addresses God with a possession/confession formula ('You are my Lord' / 'You are my God'), expressing exclusive reliance on God.
- Psalm 71:5 (thematic): Shares the theme of personal trust in God from youth onward ('For you are my hope... my trust'), paralleling the Psalm 31 assertion of trusting and claiming God as one’s own.
- Jeremiah 17:7 (thematic): Both verses emphasize the blessedness or assurance of trusting in the LORD—Psalm 31's personal trust statement corresponds to Jeremiah’s promise for the one who trusts in God.
- Proverbs 3:5 (thematic): Proverbs’ injunction to 'trust in the LORD with all your heart' parallels Psalm 31’s personal declaration of trust in God, reflecting the same ethical-religious posture of reliance.
Alternative generated candidates
- But as for me, I trust in you, LORD; I say, “You are my God.”
- But I—on you I have trusted, O LORD; I said, “You are my God.”
Psa.31.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- בידך: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,suff,2,m,sg
- עתתי: NOUN,f,sg,suff
- הצילני: VERB,hif,impv,2,m,sg
- מיד: PREP
- אויבי: NOUN,m,pl,suff1
- ומרדפי: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,suff
Parallels
- Psalm 31:5 (verbal): Both verses use the language of entrusting life/times to God’s hand and appeal for deliverance and redemption.
- Psalm 18:16-19 (thematic): Describes God rescuing the psalmist from enemies and distress—same theme of divine deliverance from persecutors.
- Psalm 56:11 (thematic): Expresses trust in God in the face of enemies (‘In God I trust; I shall not be afraid’), paralleling the plea for rescue from persecutors.
- James 4:13-15 (allusion): Affirms that human plans depend on the Lord’s will ('if the Lord wills'), echoing the idea that one’s times/life are in God’s hand.
Alternative generated candidates
- My times are in your hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies and from my persecutors.
- My times are in your hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies and from my pursuers.
Psa.31.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- האירה: VERB,hiph,imp,2,ms
- פניך: NOUN,f,pl,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
- על: PREP
- עבדך: NOUN,m,sg,abs,2,ms
- הושיעני: VERB,hiph,impv,2,m,sg
- בחסדך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs,2ms
Parallels
- Numbers 6:25-26 (verbal): The priestly blessing: 'The LORD make his face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you'—same imagery of God's face shining and showing grace/steadfast love.
- Psalm 119:135 (verbal): Direct verbal parallel: 'Make thy face to shine upon thy servant...'—same petition formula, linking divine favor (shining face) with the petitioner as servant.
- Psalm 67:1 (verbal): Corporate form of the same motif: 'God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause his face to shine upon us'—the shining of God's face as a sign of blessing and mercy.
- Exodus 34:29-35 (allusion): Moses' face shone after encountering God on Sinai; the radiance functions as visible effect of God's presence—an idiom related to 'the LORD's face shining' upon a person.
Alternative generated candidates
- Let your face shine upon your servant; save me in your love.
- Let your face shine upon your servant; save me in your steadfast love.
Psa.31.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- אבושה: VERB,qal,impf,1,sg
- כי: CONJ
- קראתיך: VERB,qal,perf,1,c,sg
- יבשו: VERB,qal,imprf,3,m,pl
- רשעים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ידמו: VERB,qal,imprf,3,m,pl
- לשאול: PREP+VERB,qal,inf
Parallels
- Psalm 35:4 (verbal): A direct petition that those who seek the psalmist’s life be confounded/ashamed—language and intent closely parallel the request that the wicked be put to shame.
- Psalm 40:14 (verbal): Uses nearly identical wording asking that those who seek the psalmist’s soul be ashamed and turned back—same theme of divine vindication against enemies.
- Psalm 6:10 (thematic): Prayer for God to shame and humiliate the psalmist’s enemies; shares the motif of enemies being put to shame and suddenly confounded.
- Psalm 109:29 (thematic): Calls for the adversaries to be clothed with shame and dishonor—comparable imprecation against the wicked who oppose the righteous.
Alternative generated candidates
- Let me not be put to shame, LORD, for I call upon you; let the wicked be ashamed—let them be silent like the grave.
- Do not let me be put to shame, O LORD, for I call on you; let the wicked be put to silence—let them be mute in Sheol.
Psa.31.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- תאלמנה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- שפתי: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- שקר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הדברות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- על: PREP
- צדיק: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עתק: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בגאוה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ובוז: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Psalm 34:8 (verbal): “O taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man that trusteth in him” — closely parallels the language of God’s goodness and the blessing on those who take refuge/trust in him.
- Psalm 23:6 (thematic): “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me” — echoes the theme of God’s goodness accompanying and benefiting the faithful.
- Nahum 1:7 (thematic): “The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him” — links God’s goodness with being a refuge for those who trust him.
- Psalm 145:7–9 (thematic): Verses praising the LORD’s goodness and mercy to all: reinforces the general theme that God’s goodness is abundant and shown toward those who revere him.
- Psalm 86:5 (verbal): “For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive…” — explicit assertion of God’s goodness, paralleling the praise of the divine goodness bestowed on the faithful.
Alternative generated candidates
- May the lying lips be silenced, those that speak arrogantly and contemptuously against the righteous.
- Let lying lips be stopped—those that speak insolent things with pride and contempt against the righteous.
Psa.31.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- מה: PRON,int
- רב: ADJ,m,sg
- טובך: NOUN,m,sg,abs+2,ms
- אשר: PRON,rel
- צפנת: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ליראיך: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs,2ms
- פעלת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- לחסים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- בך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- נגד: PREP
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- אדם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Psalm 103:11 (thematic): Declares God’s abundant steadfast love/tenderness toward those who fear him—parallel theme of plentiful goodness for the God-fearing.
- Psalm 34:9-10 (thematic): Links fearing/seeking the LORD with receiving God’s goodness and provision (‘those who seek the LORD lack no good thing’), echoing the promise of goodness for those who fear God.
- Psalm 145:19 (verbal): Promises that God ‘fulfills the desire of those who fear him’ and acts on their behalf—closely parallels the idea of God’s stored-up goodness for his fearing ones.
- Lamentations 3:25 (thematic): ‘The LORD is good to those who wait for him’—similar affirmation that God’s goodness is experienced by those who trust/rely on him.
- Psalm 25:14 (verbal): ‘The friendship of the LORD is for those who fear him’—emphasizes special favor/intimacy and blessing toward the God-fearing, resonant with Ps 31:20’s theme.
Alternative generated candidates
- How abundant is your goodness that you have stored up for those who fear you, which you have prepared for those who take refuge in you, before the eyes of men.
- How abundant is your goodness that you have stored up for those who fear you, which you have prepared for those who take refuge in you, in the sight of the children of mankind.
Psa.31.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- תסתירם: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- בסתר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- פניך: NOUN,f,pl,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
- מרכסי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תצפנם: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- בסכה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מריב: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לשנות: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,cons
Parallels
- Psalm 27:5 (verbal): Speaks of God hiding the psalmist in the shelter/tabernacle of his presence in the day of trouble—shares the imagery of being hidden and protected in God’s dwelling.
- Psalm 32:7 (verbal): Direct language calling God a 'hiding place' who preserves from trouble—parallels the theme of divine concealment and protection from enemies.
- Psalm 91:1-4 (thematic): Portrays dwelling in the shelter of the Most High and being covered/protected (shadow, wings) from danger—common refuge/shelter motif.
- Psalm 57:1 (verbal): Implores God as a refuge 'in the shadow of your wings' until danger passes—echoes the image of divine protection and hiding from enemies.
- Isaiah 26:20 (allusion): Calls God’s people to 'enter your chambers' and hide until the fury passes—uses the motif of taking refuge/hiding in God’s presence for deliverance.
Alternative generated candidates
- You hide them in the shelter of your presence from the plots of men; you conceal them in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.
- You hide them in the shelter of your presence from the plots of men; you keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.
Psa.31.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ברוך: ADJ,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- הפליא: VERB,hiph,perf,3,m,sg
- חסדו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- בעיר: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מצור: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Nahum 1:7 (verbal): Both verses couple God's goodness with the image of a protective stronghold: 'The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble,' paralleling 'he has shown me his marvelous kindness in a strong city.'
- Proverbs 18:10 (thematic): Uses fortress/tower imagery for divine protection—'The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous runneth into it'—echoing the 'strong city' refuge in Psalm 31:22.
- Psalm 31:20 (verbal): A close intra-psalm parallel celebrating God's goodness and protection for those who fear and trust him: 'How great is thy goodness... which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee.'
- Psalm 46:1 (thematic): Both verses present God as refuge and help in trouble—'God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble'—matching the theme of divine protection in a 'strong city.'
- Psalm 18:2 (thematic): Employs similar fortress imagery—'The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer'—resonating with the depiction of God providing safety in a fortified place.
Alternative generated candidates
- Blessed be the LORD, for he has wondrously shown me his steadfast love in a besieged city.
- Blessed be the LORD, for he has marvellously shown his steadfast love to me in a besieged city.
Psa.31.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואני: PRON,1,sg
- אמרתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,com,sg
- בחפזי: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs,poss,1,sg
- נגרזתי: VERB,niphal,perf,1,sg
- מנגד: ADV
- עיניך: NOUN,f,pl,abs+2ms
- אכן: ADV
- שמעת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- קול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תחנוני: NOUN,m,sg,abs+1cs
- בשועי: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs,1cs
- אליך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
Parallels
- Psalm 22:24 (verbal): Affirms that God 'has not hidden his face' and 'has heard, when he cried to him,' closely paralleling Ps 31:23's claim that God heard the psalmist's cry.
- Psalm 18:6 (verbal): Similar wording and theme: 'In my distress I called upon the LORD... he heard my voice; my cry came to his ears,' echoing the report that God heard the supplication.
- Psalm 34:6 (verbal): Directly parallels the idea that 'this poor man cried, and the LORD heard him,' linking crying out in distress with divine hearing and help.
- Psalm 6:9 (verbal): Uses the same language of supplication being heard: 'The LORD has heard my supplication; the LORD will receive my prayer,' akin to Ps 31:23's assurance of being heard.
- Lamentations 3:55-56 (thematic): The speaker cries from the depths and pleads that God hear him—paralleling Ps 31:23's movement from a sense of being cut off to the recognition that God heard the cry.
Alternative generated candidates
- But I said in my haste, “I am cut off from before your eyes.” Yet you heard the sound of my supplication when I cried to you.
- For I said in my haste, “I am cut off from before your eyes”; yet you heard the sound of my supplication when I cried to you.
Psa.31.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אהבו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg,3ms.obj
- את: PRT,acc
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- כל: DET
- חסידיו: NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss3ms
- אמונים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- נצר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ומשלם: CONJ+VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- על: PREP
- יתר: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- עשה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- גאוה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Psalm 97:10 (verbal): Address to those who love the LORD and affirmation that he preserves/delivers his saints—close wording and theme to 'Love the LORD, all his saints' and God's preserving of the faithful.
- Psalm 145:20 (verbal): Explicit statement that 'The LORD preserves all who love him'—a near verbal parallel to the claim that the LORD guards/repays the faithful.
- Psalm 62:12 (thematic): Affirms that God 'will repay everyone according to what they have done,' echoing the idea of the LORD rewarding or repaying both the faithful and the proud.
- Psalm 18:25-26 (thematic): Speaks of God dealing with people according to their character ('with the merciful you will show yourself merciful'), paralleling the theme that God preserves the faithful and repays the arrogant for their deeds.
Alternative generated candidates
- Love the LORD, all you his faithful ones. The LORD preserves the faithful and repays the proud in full for their deeds.
- Love the LORD, all you his saints! The LORD preserves the faithful; but he repays the proud according to their deeds.
To the choirmaster; a psalm of David.
In you, O LORD, I take refuge; let me never be put to shame. In your righteousness deliver me.
Incline your ear to me; hasten to deliver me. Be to me a rock of refuge, a fortress to save me.
For you are my rock and my fortress; for your name's sake lead me and guide me.
Pull me out of the net they have hidden for me, for you are my stronghold.
Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O LORD, O God of truth.
I hate those who cling to worthless idols; I trust in the LORD.
I will rejoice and be glad in your steadfast love, for you saw my affliction; you knew the distress of my soul.
You did not deliver me into the hand of the enemy; you set my feet in a broad place.
Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am in distress; my eye wastes away with grief, my soul and my belly also.
For my life is spent with anguish, and my years with sighing; my strength fails because of my affliction, and my bones waste away.
I am a reproach to all my adversaries, and especially to my neighbors; fear and dread fall on my acquaintances. When they see me in the street they flee from me.
I am forgotten like one dead; I am like a broken vessel.
For I hear the whispering of many—terror on every side—scheming together against me; they plot to take my life. But as for me, I trust in you, O LORD; I say, 'You are my God.'
My times are in your hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies and from my persecutors.
Let your face shine upon your servant; save me in your steadfast love.
O LORD, let me not be put to shame, for I call upon you; let the wicked be ashamed; let them lie silent in Sheol.
Let lying lips be silenced—those who utter proud and contemptuous words against the righteous.
How great is your goodness that you have stored up for those who fear you, which you have prepared for those who take refuge in you, in the sight of the children of men!
You hide them in the secret of your presence from the plots of men; you keep them safe in your shelter from strife.
Blessed be the LORD, for he has wondrously shown me his steadfast love in a city under siege.
In my haste I said, 'I am cut off from before your eyes'; yet you heard the voice of my supplication when I cried to you.
Love the LORD, all his saints! The LORD preserves the faithful; he fully repays the proud for their deeds.